Saturday, October 27, 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Cape Photo of the Day - Photo #239


A Halloween gift for Mom and Dad made by my neighbors' son, Jordan, at Cape Elementary. Very nice!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Cape Photo of the Day - Photo #238


I came across this alien invader on the side of my house yesterday. It seemed to be casing the joint - scouting out a new world to colonize. Ah, but never fear, it's just our good friend from the insect world, Mantis religiosa, commonly known as the "praying mantis".  These are some freaky looking bugs, but it's in our interest to keep them around as they feed on other critters that are less desirable in our yards.The closest relatives of mantises are actually termites and cockroaches, neither of which I care to see in my vacinity.

Laika and I were taking some trash out, and the praying mantis swiveled its head back and forth to keep a close eye on our movement. They are fierce predators, and rely on those big eyes, swiveling heads, spiky arms, and quick reflexes to catch their prey - aphids, crickets and even frogs and lizards on occasion. Just in case this one was keen to take on a human or Aussie, I used my zoom to get the closeup and then left our guest to tend to business. But then maybe it is me and Laika who are the guests in its world...

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Cape Photo of the Day - Photo #237


Another picture from the Renaissance Festival. I find myself a little conflicted about this one. I love seeing the elephants, and I rode one once with the kids when they were little, but I don't think I could bring myself to do it now. I imagine they are well cared for and even loved, but I don't believe circuses and fairs are a proper life for such magnificent creatures. As cool as they are up close, I think I would be happier not to see them at the Renaissance Festival in the future. I'm not militant about it, but there's a reason I feel a little sad when I see them making loops around an enclosure for our entertainment.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Cape Photo of the Day - Photo #236


Another shot from the Renaissance Festival yesterday. I had not seen this guy before. Very funny, and very daring. I mean it takes a serious pair of Scotch eggs to walk on a tight wire over a crowd wearing a kilt!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Cape Photo of the Day - Photo #235


I spent the afternoon at the Maryland Renaissance Festival today for my daughter's 15th birthday. We enjoyed several of the shows from Shakespeare's Scum to the Witch Trial to Puke and Snot. This picture was taken during Johnny Fox's sword swallowing show. It's a festival favorite. This young lady, Avila (sp? - or maybe it was Gwyneth Paltrow - the woman will try anything) belly danced her way up onto a  ladder of swords. It was entertaining, as always.

In case the top notch magicians, comedians, actors, acrobats, musicians, and knife throwers are not entertaining enough for you, the people watching at the Renaissance Festival is worth the price of admission. Today was the final day of the 2012 season. If you missed it, never fear, the fun will be back next year starting in early August. It really is a fun day and recognized as one of the top two or three Renaissance Festivals in the country. Don't miss it in 2013!